Ghana VS Tunisia Match Prediction

Ghana have three wins, a draw, and a loss against Tunisia in five meetings.  The last of them came in 2013 in a friendly in which Ghana won 4-2.  That followed up a 2-1 win in extra time in the 2012 AFCON.

GHA vs TUN Betting Tips and Odds

Bet365 have the following odds available for this match:

Ghana are at 6/4 to win, a draw is at 9/5, and a Tunisia win is at 21/10.

Ghana did end up winning their group, but it was only just by their skin of their teeth.  In fact, another result could well have seen them end up eliminated from the group on the final day, such was the closeness of the whole thing.  Draws with Benin and Cameroon, not the worst result ever mind you, was the starting point before they were composed in a 0-2 win over Guinea-Bissau to clinch first.  Even with that shaky showing, this is a team that have only lost once in the last year, so they will be no easy beat.

Tunisia have to be absolutely thankful for this opportunity after they drew all three of their group matches. Given the structure of the tournament, they would still have gone through, likely, but their second place finish is peculiar to say the least given that they drew all three matches.  The last result, the 0-0 with Mauritania, will have been the big worrier for many, since they had been beaten pretty badly by Mali earlier on in the tournament.  They have lost three times in the last year, to teams similar to Ghana’s stature in Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria, so it could be quite tough on them here.

Betfair have Jordan Ayew scoring anytime at 4.2.

Ladbrokes have no for both teams scoring at ½.

Ghana vs Tunisia Prediction

This one could be an ugly, tactical affair with neither side trying to budge an inch.  But the pace and creativity of Ghana, as well as the confidence they have coming out as group winners, should be enough to take them through.

Correct Score Prediction: Ghana 1-0 Tunisia

Ghana Team News

James Kwesi Appiah has no major issues ahead of this tie and will look to keep things the same as they press on toward a place in the quarterfinals.

Ghana Key Man

There are plenty of good, experienced players in this Black Stars squad, but they begin and end with Thomas Partey.  The Atletico man is so good and versatile that he can do a little bit of everything, and that has made him an indispensable piece of the Ghana puzzle, as his goal against Guinea-Bissau indicates.  Up front, Jordan Ayew comes into this match having scored in that aforementioned win, adding to one prior, and making him a definite contender to plunder another one here.

Ghana Team Form

Ghana have two wins and three draws in their last five matches:

0-2 win vs Guinea-Bissau
0-0 draw vs Cameroon
2-2 draw vs Benin
0-0 home draw vs South Africa (Fri)
1-0 home win vs Kenya (ACO)

Ghana Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-4-2

Tunisia Team News

Alain Giresse needs to find a way to get his side firing again and to get over the hump, but there’s not a whole lot he can do but press on with what he has and hope it’s enough along with tactical nuance.

Tunisia Key Man

As Wabhi Khazri goes, so, too, does Tunisia go.  That should be the saying and thought, at least, as he continues to be the star they rely upon.  This does make him easier to target, though, and it causes them severe issues getting into the attack at various points.  He had two goals and two assists in the World Cup last year, so he’s a very well known commodity at the moment.  Midfielder Youssef Msakni is another to keep tabs on.  He’s got 14 goals in 50 caps, including one in the group, to help them get here.  

Tunisia Team Form

Tunisia have three draws and two wins in their last five matches:

0-0 draw vs Mauritania
1-1 draw vs Mali
1-1 draw vs Angola
2-1 home win vs Burundi (Fri)
1-2 win at Croatia (Fri)

Tunisia Predicted Starting Line up

Expected Line up: 4-2-3-1

Well, you have to say that both teams are going to be hard to beat. That much is clear given the way they played in the group stage. That aside, Ghana are the clear favorites to progress due to their recent play. Tunisia too often rely upon one or two players, and that can be problematic when they are not on their game. Ghana are the kind of team that Tunisia usually slip up against, and that happens again here in Ismailia.

Tunisia come into this match unbeaten, but they drew all three group matches. Ghana also are unbeaten, having won once and drawn twice in Group F play.